Continuously variable transmission system

Abstract

A continuously variable transmission used for translating between rotary motions or between rotary and linear motions, for use in automotive, industrial and robotics applications, operating with the following principles: an upper section (1) is allowed to freely move in all directions parallel to the surface below, but is not allowed to rotate. A disc (2) in a lower section is constrained such that its centre is always directly below the centre of the upper section (1). The disc (2) in a lower section is constrained such that its centre is always directly below the centre of the upper section (1). The disc (2) is rotated in the direction (12) shown relative to the upper section (1), and the freely rotating wheels (6) are steered by rods (7) that slide through wheel supports (5). The rods (7) meet at a coincidence point controlled by rod (8) which is set at a particular point relative to the upper section (1). For the position of rod (8) shown and rotation (12) shown, the upper (1) and lower (2) sections will move along the surface, without slippage of the wheels (6), in the direction of arrow (13). For a given speed of rotation of disc (2), the speed of movement along the surface will increase as the distance of the coincidence point from the center of the disc increases.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.